Hi Mom:
Guess my point is twofold. 1) The numbers the clubs report are often irrelevant, or at least exaggerated, precisely because that's what they're selling to tuition-threatened parents; and 2) If a child is good enough to play college soccer, EVERYBODY knows it already. The soccer community is small, and when coaches congregate, the conversation generally centers on players. There are very few "secrets."
Yes, there are exceptions; i.e., the club player in Utah who flies under the radar as a "youth" player, but matures physically in his 20s and is randomly discovered in an adult league, then signs an MLS contract.
My advice to parents is simple. Save money for tuition like your kid will never play in college. Encourage him/her to get great grades. Foster his/her development as an athlete and person. THAT'S how your child will attract genuine attention: not at some over-hyped showcase.
